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Villarreal coach Unai Emery has spoken of the threat that Real Madrid has before facing him on Saturday afternoon at El Madrigal.
Los Blancos are currently in fourth place in La Liga, four points behind league leaders Real Sociedad and ten points above Huesca, the last classified.
Madrid have also been below par in Europe, third in Group B of the Champions League ahead of Inter, but behind Borussia Monchengladbach and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Villarreal, on the other hand, is flying high, second in the table and just two points behind La Real.
Emery took over at the Yellow Submarine during the closed season and is looking to build on his final fifth spot last season, helped by his extensive managerial experience as well as his strong summer draft.
However, Emery, whose previous job was at Arsenal, was not frivolous about his chances.
He knows that Madrid still have a lot of power in their squad and, furthermore, they are dangerous when they have a point to prove.
“They will not be more vulnerable,” Emery told Marca. “To climb the table they need to win, and four days later to play against Inter in another important match. The Real Madrid that plays us and Inter will be the best possible.
“There will be forced changes due to injury or COVID, but it will continue to be the best Real Madrid. And when all of their eleven starters play 100% for 90 minutes, it’s very difficult to beat them. “
Villarreal have won five of their first nine and lost only once, and they seem to be well placed for a positive campaign.
However, a downside for many Villarreal fans is the lack of playing time given to the passionate talent Takefusa Kubo, on loan from Madrid. Emery urges patience.
“Kubo has a process,” he said. “On one side you have the Villarreal road and on the other you have the Kubo road. We all want Villarreal to benefit from Kubo’s development and for Kubo to benefit from Villarreal at the same time.
“The relationship of young players with their more experienced teammates helps them grow, gain confidence and improve their performance.
“A good example of this is the relationship between Pau [Torres] Y [Raul] Albiol. That he plays with Albiol makes him feel more secure and confident, and they are a central couple who have a very good relationship on the field.
“Villarreal has been investing in their academy for a long time and I would not be here if I did not understand that responsibility. I feel privileged to be part of this philosophy that Villarreal has ”.
Featured image courtesy of the Daily Cannon.
